Chapter 13: Cardiac Arrhythmias and Their Electrocardiographic Interpretation

Chapter 13: Cardiac Arrhythmias and Their Electrocardiographic Interpretation

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

1. A forty-year-old man reported to his cardiologist that he had unusual feelings in his chest after drinking his fourth cup of coffee in the morning. The cardiologist recorded the following EKG during an exercise stress test. Leads II and III are shown. What is the likely diagnosis?

1. Premature contraction originating in the atrium
2. Premature contraction originating high in the A-V node
3. Premature contraction originating low in the A-V node
4. Premature contraction originating in the apex of the ventricle
5. Premature contraction originating in the base of the ventricle

ANS: EE

2. A ninety-year-old man had an EKG taken at his local doctor’s office, and the diagnosis was atrial fibrillation. Which of the following statements are likely conditions in someone with atrial fibrillation?

1. Ventricular fibrillation normally accompanies atrial fibrillation
2. The P waves of the EKG are strong
3. The rate of ventricular contraction is irregular and fast
4. The atrial “a” wave is normal
5. The atria have a smaller volume than normal

ANS: C

3. Circus movements in the ventricle can lead to ventricular fibrillation. Which of the following conditions in the ventricular muscle will increase the tendency for circus movements?

1. Decreased refractory period
2. Low extracellular potassium concentration

1. Increased refractory period

1. Shorter conduction pathway (decreased ventricular volume)
2. Increase in parasympathetic impulses to the heart

ANS: A

4. A 55-year-old woman had the following EKG recorded at her annual physical. She reported to her doctor that sometimes her pulse rate feels strong and at other times it feels weak. Standard limb lead II is shown.

What is her likely diagnosis?

1. Atrial paroxysmal tachycardia
2. First degree A-V block
3. Second degree A-V block, Mobitz type I (Wenckebach)
4. Second degree A-V block, Mobitz type II
5. Third degree A-V block

ANS: D

5. A fifty-year-old man has been having fainting “spells” for about two weeks. During the fainting episodes, his EKG shows a ventricular beat of 25 per minute and 100 P waves per minute. After about 30 seconds of fainting a normal sinus rhythm reoccurs. What is his likely diagnosis?

1. Atrial flutter
2. First degree A-V block
3. Second degree A-V block
4. Third degree A-V block
5. Stokes-Adams syndrome

ANS: E